The race

In two-man teams, the mountain bikers set off on the 300-kilometre course around Mont Blanc. They have to conquer 12,000 meters of downhill and 16,000 meters of uphill.

After the start in Verbier in Switzerland, the participants ride to Courmayeur in Italy and Les Houches in France. They then stream back to Verbier through the Alpine metropolis of Chamonix. They can expect three exciting days in a unique mountain setting on challenging technical trails.

Big names

The premiere of the "E-Tour du Mont-Blanc" is attracting some big names in mountain biking to Verbier. But stars from other sports are also taking on this adventure. For example, Swiss freeride ski pro Jérémie Heitz. He will be competing in Team Scott together with German mountain bike icon Holger Meyer. Heitz's Freeride World Tour colleagues Reine Barkered (SWE) and Jackie Paaso (USA) will also be taking on the challenge of the electrified circuit. In addition to the pros, four amateur teams will also be taking part in the race.

The E-Enduro pioneers from Team Focus, Marco Aurelio Fontana (ITA) and Fabian Scholz (GER), are among the strongest riders in the field. Fontana won an Olympic bronze medal in cross country in 2012 and is just as accomplished a technician as Fabian Scholz, who has his sporting past in downhill.

Team Specialized can also point to Olympic bronze: Christoph Sauser has also achieved countless other major international successes in cross-country and marathon races and is still very fit, as is his old racing colleague and partner Silvio Bundi.

René Wildhaber is a veteran of Swiss mountain biking. Formerly one of the best downhill riders, he made a name for himself with his superiority at the earlier downhill marathons and later in enduro. He will be competing together with German enduro rider and BiXS developer Christian Vollmer for Team BiXS E-Bikes.

Former British downhill queen Tracy Moseley will be competing in the women's race. Her partner on the race around Mont Blanc is none other than former Swiss cross-country ace Nathalie Schneitter. Physically and technically, both ladies are still at the top of their game and have a wealth of experience in handling e-mountainbikes.

In addition to the experienced professionals, the "E-Tour du Mont-Blanc" will also see four amateur teams test their stamina and riding skills. They ride the same route as the stars. Eight riders from all over Europe have made it through the application process - will they be able to keep up with the pros?

This illustrious field will deliver an unforgettable race between the highest peaks of the Alps in August.www.verbierebikefestival.com